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E407 Rare Pre-Civil War Pinchbeck handmade Chain, Circa 1840:

Sat, 09/17/2016 - 18:52 — pam

E407

Rare handmade early Chain work is in the medium of Pinchbeck. Each link is handmade then put together; the design is Fancy Cub Link. The Chain is 16 inches long and 5 mm wide. The chain is light in weight and comfortable to wear. It closes with a barrel clasp, which would be correct for the period it was made.

Information on Pinchbeck;
"Pinchbeck" is a form of brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, mixed in proportions so that it closely resembles gold in appearance. The alloy was invented in the 18th century by Christopher Pinchbeck, a London clockmaker. Since gold was only sold in 18-carat to 15-carat, quality at that time, the development of pinchbeck allowed ordinary people to buy gold 'effect' jewelry on a budget. The inventor allegedly made pinchbeck jewelry to look like Gold. Pinchbeck jewelry was used in places like stagecoaches where there was a risk of theft. Later dishonest jewelers passed pinchbeck off as gold. But in todays market it is rare to find and is of great value.
Pinchbeck typically comprises copper and zinc in ratios between 89% Cu, 11% Zn; and 93% Cu, 7% Zn.
The formula was found but what we lost was how to process these elements to MAKE the Pinchbeck. The last that was made was 1854 with the death of the grandson of Christopher Pinchbeck the formula was lost with him.
The chain is in excellent condition and strong to wear, with an insured value of $600.00 as of September 2016.